Fluid detection system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for fluid detection comprises a fluid sensor positioned near a patient&#39;s body, an alarm connected to the fluid sensor, a closeable casing having a size that allows it to maintain the alarm within a space that is defined by the closeable casing, and a fastener coupled to the closeable casing. The fluid sensor provides a signal whenever the fluid sensor detects fluid. The alarm includes one or more status indicators that are responsive to the signal. The closeable casing allows the patient to see, hear, or otherwise sense, the alarm through the closeable casing. The fastener is affixed to: the patient&#39;s body, the patient&#39;s clothing, or both. The casing can be opened and closed, and optionally, the alarm can be removed and replaced in the space the casing defines.

FIELD

This application relates to a device for holding a fluid detectionsystem that monitors body fluid leakages and issues alarms. Morespecifically, but not exclusively, this application relates to a bandfor securely holding an alarm associated with the fluid detectionsystem.

BACKGROUND

Existing fluid detection alarms can be attached to a user's clothes witha safety pin, magnet, or specialized clips. Not only are theseapproaches limiting in nature, they can create various inconveniencesfor the user. Even though attaching a fluid detection alarm to theuser's clothes can ensure that it is close enough to be heard, the soundcan be easily muffled if the user is covered with a blanket or someother covering. Besides, the user would be forced to sleep in oneposition to ensure that he/she is not sleeping on the fluid detectionalarm. Additionally, safety pins and specialized clips can easily impairthe comfort and convenience of the user, while magnets are often notstrong enough to hold a fluid detection alarm.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

Provided is a band for holding a fluid detection system. The band maycomprise a strap having a first portion, and a second portion configuredto couple to the first portion forming a closed loop adjustable indiameter to fit around a body part of a wearer. The body part mayinclude an arm, a hand, a waist, a head, a leg, a foot, a wrist, atrunk, a neck, a chest, and so forth. In one example embodiment, theband may comprise a pouch attached thereto and configured to securelyhold an alarm of the fluid detection system. The band may furthercomprise a flap configured to form a closed loop adjustable in diameterto hold an alarm of the fluid detection system. The first portion of theband may comprise an opening to receive the second portion in order tocouple the first portion and the second portion together. The alarm mayinclude fluid sensing means to sense fluid leakage from the body of thewearer. The fluids may include sweat, water, blood, urine, feces, and soforth. On sensing the fluid leakage, notification data may betransmitted to the alarm. On receiving the notification data, the alarmmay produce one or more of the following: a sound signal, a lightsignal, a vibration signal or a radio signal. The alarm may include anenuresis alarm, a moisture detection alarm, a potty training alarm, anincontinence alarm, a bedwetting alarm, and so forth. The fluid sensingmeans may be detachably disposed on the band.

In one example embodiment, the fluid sensing means may be configured towirelessly communicate with the alarm. In other embodiments, the fluidsensing means may be connected to the alarm with wires to enablecommunications between the alarm and sensors.

In one example embodiment, the band may further comprise an additionalalarm communicating with the fluid sensing means and located remotelyfrom the wearer.

In one example embodiment, the band may include an anti-skid backing.

In one example embodiment, the second portion of the band, as well asthe flap, may include Velcro. Alternatively, the second portion mayinclude a magnet or a loop.

In one example embodiment, the flap may include one or more openings toprovide an audibility and visibility of a signal produced by the alarm.

Provided is also a method for holding a fluid detection system on a bodyof a wearer. The method may start with providing a band being configuredto form a closed loop with an adjustable diameter to be secured around abody part of the wearer. The method may further include securely fixingan alarm of the fluid detection system inside a pouch of the band usinga flap. The flap may be configured to form a closed loop adjustable indiameter to fit the size of the alarm in the pouch.

In one example embodiment, the method may further proceed with the alarmreceiving a notification data from the fluid sensing means. Thenotification data may be associated with the fluid sensing means sensinga fluid. On receiving the notification data, the alarm may produce oneor more of the following: a sound signal, a light signal, a vibrationsignal, or a radio signal.

In further exemplary embodiments, modules, subsystems, or devices can beadapted to perform the recited steps. Other features and exemplaryembodiments are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in thefigures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicatesimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment within which a band for holding afluid detection system on a body of a wearer and methods of user thereofcan be implemented, in accordance to some embodiments.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a band for holding a fluid detectionsystem with a flap folded down, in accordance to some embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a band for holding a fluid detectionsystem with an alarm positioned within a flap folded up, in accordanceto some embodiments.

FIG. 2C illustrates a back view of a band for holding a fluid detectionsystem with an alarm positioned inside a flap folded up, in accordanceto some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for holding a fluiddetection system on a body of a wearer, in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIG. 4A shows a back view of a band for holding a fluid detection systemwith a finger-shaped flap, in accordance to some embodiments.

FIG. 4B shows a front view of a band for holding a fluid detectionsystem with a finger-shaped flap, in accordance to some embodiments.

FIG. 5A shows a front view of a band for holding a fluid detectionsystem with a flap in the closed position, in accordance to someembodiments.

FIG. 5B shows a front view of a band for holding a fluid detectionsystem with a flap in the open position, in accordance to someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A band for holding a fluid detection system and related method aredescribed herein. Specifically, the band is designed to securely hold analarm of the fluid detection system in place so it does not move aroundand stays in contact with a wearer of the band. The fluid detectionsystem may contain moisture sensors that are able to accurately detectthe presence of any type of fluid or moisture including body fluids,such as sweat, water, blood, urine, feces, and so forth. The alarm ofthe fluid detection system may be configured to quickly alert both awearer of the fluid detection system and medical personnel or acaretaker that a fluid leak has been detected from the wearer's body.The fluid detection system may monitor a number of fluid sensorssimultaneously, which would eliminate the need for the caretaker tocontinuously inspect the wearer visually for potentially fatal fluidleaks.

In certain example embodiments, the band may be designed to be placedanywhere on the body of the wearer. For example, the band may be placedaround an arm of the wearer as an armband, waist as a waistband, head asa headband, leg as a legband, foot as a footband, wrist as a wristband,and so forth. The wearer may easily put on the band by himself. Thewearer may also have a caretaker place the band on the body of thewearer, and the caretaker may be alerted when the fluid is detected bythe fluid detection system.

In certain example embodiments, the alarm of the fluid detection systemmay include an enuresis alarm, a moisture detection alarm, a pottytraining alarm, an incontinence alarm, a bedwetting alarm, and so forth.The band may be also used to hold any alarm system, wired or wireless,which can detect moisture.

In certain example embodiments, the band may be made of soft,comfortable, and breathable material, such as, for example, Neoprene,since it will be in contact with skin for an extended period of time.Additionally, the material may be hypoallergenic to avoid irritating theskin of the wearer. The band may be made of washable material andcontain a stretchable fabric.

In certain example embodiments, an anti-skid backing may be provided onat least a part of the band surface to enable secure fixing of the bandwith the skin of the wearer. Thus, slip off of the band may be avoided.

In certain example embodiments, the band may include a simple fasteningmechanism to secure the band in place around anarm/body/head/wrist/leg/foot of the wearer. The band may comprise afirst portion and a second portion. The second portion may have anopening to receive the first portion and form a closed loop adjustablein diameter. In such a way, the band may be adjusted to fit around abody part of the wearer. Additionally, the band may include Velcro toattach the first portion to the second portion. Velcro may provideconvenience for repeated opening and closing of the band as compared toconventional alarm fastening methods, such as safety pins or clips.

In certain example embodiments, the band may include a pouch to securelyplace the alarm inside and a flap to cover the alarm and hold itsecurely in place. The flap may be attached to the band near the pouchsuch that the flap may cover the alarm positioned inside the pouch andbe connected to the outside surface of the pouch. Both the flap and thepouch may comprise Velcro to be connected to each other to form a closedloop. Upon connecting the flap to the pouch, a diameter of the closedloop may be regulated to fit the size of an alarm placed inside thepouch. Thus, the band is configurable to accommodate small and largealarms.

In certain example embodiments, the flap may be provided with one ormore openings in order for the wearer to hear the alarm and see thelight signals.

Thus, the band for holding a fluid detection system described hereinprovides a simple, economical, safe means for accommodating varioustypes of fluid sensing alarms anywhere on the body of the wearer. Theband provides increased comfort to the wearer due to simplifiedmounting, positioning, and removing procedures.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an environment 100within which a band 200 for holding a fluid detection system on a bodyof a wearer and a method of use thereof can be implemented. FIG. 1 showsa wearer 105 wearing a band 200 about his arm. The band 200 securelyholds the fluid detection system 110, which includes a fluid detectionalarm operatively coupled to the fluid sensing means. The fluiddetection means may be wired to the alarm. Alternatively, the fluidsensing means may be wirelessly connected with the alarm. In someexample embodiments, the fluid sensing means may be detachably disposedon the band 200.

The alarm may be configured to receive a notification data from thefluid sensing means upon sensing a fluid. On receiving the notification,the alarm may produce a signal to the wearer 105 to warn the wearerabout the fluid leakage.

In certain example embodiments, the band 200 may be also used forassisting in the prevention of diaper rash, for potty training ofinfants, in curing enuretic youngsters, and for detecting the leakage ofblood or other fluids after surgery and invasive diagnostic procedures.The band 200 may also be used to monitor and record urinaryincontinence.

In certain example embodiments, the band 200 may be useful for detectingleaks in domestic hot water heaters or other liquid storage devices.

In certain example embodiments, the band 200 may be configured such thatit may be attached to practically any body part of the wearer 105. Theband 200 may comprise a strap and two portions, a first and a second,which may be easily coupled such that the band 200 forms a closed loop.The coupling may be easily released. In some example embodiments, thecoupling may be implemented via Velcro provided on a surface of thestrap and at least on one of the first and second portions. In someexample embodiments, the closed loop may be adjustable to a range ofdiameters of, for example, approximately one to fifteen inches.

In some example embodiments, the wearer 105 may wear the band 200 withan alarm positioned inside the band 200 while walking, running, resting,or sleeping. He may perform any movement and action without a risk ofthe band slipping off, since the band is configured to be securely fixedon a body part of the wearer. Additionally, due to the adjustablediameter, the band may be tightly fitted to a body part of the wearer,or it may be slightly loosened for comfortable sleep.

As shown, the alarm may be configured to generate a signal upondetecting any type of fluid or moisture on the surface of the body orgarments of the wearer. The signal may be of different types, such as asound, a light, a vibration, a radio signal, and so forth. In certainexample embodiments, an additional alarm may be provided. The additionalalarm may communicate with the fluid sensing means and be locatedremotely from the wearer 105. For example, the additional alarm may beprovided to a caretaker who will be alerted when a fluid is detected bythe fluid sensing means disposed on the wearer 105. The additional alarmmay be configured to wirelessly receive signals from the alarm disposedon the wearer 105.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a band for holding a fluid detectionsystem with a flap folded down, in accordance to some embodiments. Asshown, the band 200 may comprise a strap 205 including soft, flexiblematerial, such as neoprene, forming a first portion 215 and a secondportion 210. Various other types of materials may be alternatively usedincluding, but not limited to, leather, cotton, polyester, plastic,nylon, vinyl, synthetic leather, rubber, and so forth. An opening 220may be provided in the first portion 215. The opening 220 may beconfigured to fit in the second portion 210 to pass through the opening220 and be fixed to an intermediate portion of the strap 205, therebyforming a closed loop. The second portion 210 may be slightly tapered tofit into the opening 220. At least a portion of the strap 205 and thesecond portion 210 may include Velcro. Upon insertion of the secondportion 210 into the opening 220, the second portion 210 may be draggedthrough the opening 220 until a desired diameter of the loop isachieved. The second portion 210 may be then attached to a Velcroportion of the strap 205.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a band for holding a fluid detectionsystem with an alarm positioned within a flap folded up, in accordanceto some embodiments. As shown, a flap 230 may be attached to a frontbottom of the first portion 215. In its folded up position, the flap 230may encircle an alarm 235 and be attached to the back of the firstportion 215 by means of Velcro or any other suitable fastening means.The flap 230 includes one or more front and side openings 225. Theopenings 225 may coincide in position with signal emitting componentsincluding, but not limited to light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Such aconfiguration of the flap 230 may provide better audibility andvisibility of emitted signals for the wearer.

Additionally, the openings 225 may provide access to various ports thatthe fluid detection system may have. Additionally, the openings may beused to attach one or more sensors with wires.

In some example embodiments, the band 200 may include elastic stretchmaterial, which expands when being fitted to an arm or leg of the wearerand then contracts to ensure secure holding of the band on the body ofthe wearer. The band may be adjustable to various degrees of tightnesson various body parts of the wearer.

FIG. 2C illustrates a back view of a band for holding a fluid detectionsystem with an alarm accommodated therein, in accordance to someembodiments. As shown, the second portion 210 may pass through theopening 220 of the first portion 215. The first portion 215 may then befolded and be fixed to the strap 205 by Velcro 240, thus forming a loop.The flap 230 may fold over the alarm 235, thereby forming a pouch tohold the alarm 235, and be fixed to the back side of the first portion215, for example, by Velcro.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for holding a fluiddetection system on a body of a wearer, in accordance with certainembodiments. The method 300 starts with providing, at operation 305, aband being configured to form a closed loop with an adjustable diameterto be secured around a body part of the wearer. The method 300 mayfurther proceed with securely fixing an alarm of the fluid detectionsystem inside a pouch of the band at operation 310. The alarm may befixed using a flap or otherwise. In various embodiments, the flap mayform a pouch to fix the alarm. Alternatively, the strap may include apouch with a flap to fix the alarm in the pouch. The flap may beconfigured to form a closed loop that is adjustable in diameter to fitthe size of the alarm in the pouch.

In certain example embodiments, the alarm may be configured to receivenotification data from the fluid sensing means. The notification datamay be associated with the fluid sensing means sensing a fluid. Uponreceiving the notification data, a signal may be produced by the alarm.The signal may include one or more of the following: a sound signal, alight signal, a vibration signal, a radio signal, and so forth.

FIG. 4A shows a back view of a band for holding a fluid detection systemwith a finger-shaped flap, in accordance to some embodiments. As shown,an anti-skid backing 420, formed of a plurality of knobs, may beprovided on the back surface of the band 200. The anti-skid backing 420may prevent the band 200 from moving around and slipping of a body partof a wearer.

FIG. 4B shows a front view of a band for holding a fluid detectionsystem with a finger-shaped flap, in accordance to some embodiments. Asshown, an elongated ring 425 may be attached to a first portion 415 ofthe band 200. The ring 425 may function in the same way as the opening220 on FIG. 2, i.e., receive a second portion 410 of the band 200 toform a closed loop. The ring 425 may be made of nylon, plastic, or othersuitable materials and may have different forms and sizes. Additionally,a pouch 445 may be provided on the first portion 415 of the band 200 toaccommodate an alarm 435. In this example embodiment, the pouch 445 hasa U-shaped cut at its top, which uncovers a portion of the alarm 435. Aspecial finger-shaped design of a flap 440, at its folded up position,together with the U-shaped cut of the pouch 445, form two openings,through which a light signal or a sound signal may penetrate. The flap440 may include a Velcro portion 450, which may be fixed to acorresponding Velcro portion 450 a disposed on an outer side of thepouch 445.

FIGS. 5A and 5B both illustrate a front view of the band for holding afluid detection system with a flap in its open and closed positions, inaccordance to some embodiments. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the band 200similar to that shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B except for the shape of a flap530. The flap 530 in FIGS. 5A and 5B may be rectangular with one or moreopenings. The openings may occupy the major portion of the flap 530 toavoid suppressing sound or light signal and to ensure that a wearer canhear a sound signal and see a light signal.

Thus, a band for holding a fluid detection system and various methods ofuse thereof have been described. Although embodiments have beendescribed with reference to specific example embodiments, it will beevident that various modifications and changes may be made to theseembodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of thesystem and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification anddrawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for a fluid detection, including stepsof positioning a fluid sensor near a patients body; coupling an alarm tothe fluid sensor, whenever the sensor detects fluid, the alarm receivesa signal from the fluid sensor for indicating; positioning the alarm ina closeable casing, and maintaining the alarm within a space defined bythe casing; positioning the closeable casing near the patient's body,including affixing a fastener to at one of: the patient's body, apatient's clothing; triggering the alarm in response to the signal,wherein performing the steps of triggering allows the patient to sensethe alarm through the closeable casing.
 2. The method as in claim 1,including steps of manipulating the alarm, wherein the steps oftriggering the alarm are undone.
 3. The method as in claim 1, includingsteps of removing the alarm from the space defined by the casing.
 4. Themethod as in claim 3, wherein the steps of removing the alarm includesteps of manipulating the casing to merge the space defined by thecasing with a second space outside the casing.
 5. The method as in claim1, wherein the alarm is coupled to the sensor using a physicalconnection.
 6. The method as in claim 1, wherein the steps ofpositioning the alarm and maintaining the alarm include steps ofmanipulating the casing to define the space defined by the casingseparately from a second space outside the casing.
 7. The method as inclaim 1, wherein the steps of positioning the casing near the patient'sbody include steps of positioning the casing near a fixed location onthe patient's clothing.
 8. The method as in claim 7, wherein the stepsof positioning the casing near a fixed location on the patient'sclothing include steps of attaching the casing to the patient's clothingusing one or more of: glue, a pin, velcro.
 9. The method as in claim 1,wherein the steps of positioning the casing near the patient's bodyinclude steps of positioning an open loop around at least one of: aportion of the patient's body, a portion of the patient's clothing;wrapping the loop around that portion of the patient's body; andcoupling a first end of the loop to a second end of the loop, whereinthe loop secures the casing near a fixed location.
 10. The method as inclaim 1, wherein the steps of triggering the alarm include steps ofemitting one or more of: a buzzer; a haptic signal; a light; a noise.11. An apparatus for a fluid detection comprising: a fluid sensorpositioned near a patient's body and providing a signal whenever thesensor detects fluid; an alarm coupled to the fluid sensor, the alarmincluding one or more status indicators responsive to the signal; acloseable casing sized to maintain the alarm within a space defined bythe closeable casing, wherein the closeable casing allows the patient tosense the alarm through the closeable casing; a fastener coupled to thecloseable casing and affixed to one or more of: the patient's body, apatient's clothing.
 12. The apparatus as in claim 11, including a resetcircuit coupled to the status indicators; a human interface coupled tothe reset circuit.
 13. The apparatus as in claim 11, wherein the alarmis coupled to the sensor using a physical connection.
 14. The apparatusas in claim 11, wherein the alarm is removable from within the spacedefined by the casing.
 15. The apparatus as in claim 14, wherein thecasing is manipulable to removing the alarm; whenever the alarm isremoved, the space defined by the casing is merged with a second spaceoutside the casing, and the alarm is moveable to the space outside thecasing.
 16. The apparatus as in claim 11, wherein the closable casingholds the alarm securely in the casing without obscuring the statusindicators.
 17. The apparatus as in claim 11, wherein the closablecasing includes a manipulable flap having a first and second position;the first position defining an closed casing, wherein the closed casingseparates the space defined within the casing from a second spaceoutside the casing; the second position defining an open casing, whereinthe open casing couples the space defined within the casing from asecond space outside the casing.
 18. The apparatus as in claim 11,wherein the fastener includes one or more of: a loop closed around atleast one of: a portion of the patient's body, a portion of thepatient's clothing; the loop including a first end, a second end, and acoupling between the first end and the second end, wherein whenever thecoupling is closed, the loop secures the casing near a fixed location.19. The apparatus as in claim 11, wherein the fastener includes one ormore of: glue, a pin, velcro.
 20. The apparatus as in claim 11, whereinthe fluid sensor detects fluid at an opening in the patient's body.